Ground-Mount Solar System
A low-profile solar array designed for a garden, built for a roof that could not take panels
Our customer in Finchingfield, North Essex, owned a beautiful older property, but the roof simply was not viable for solar panels. Keen to reduce their reliance on the grid, they asked Simcott Renewables to explore alternatives that would still let them generate their own clean energy.
With plenty of garden space available, we designed a low-profile ground-mount system that would deliver the energy output they needed without altering the character of the house or standing out in the garden.
A roof that could not take solar
The property's roof was not suitable for a standard solar installation, whether due to orientation, structural limitations, or the age and character of the building. For many homeowners in this position, that would mean ruling out solar altogether.
The customer still wanted to reduce their reliance on grid electricity and generate their own power, so the brief was to find an alternative location on the property that could support a system large enough to make a meaningful difference, without compromising the look of the garden or the home itself.
A discreet, low-profile ground-mount array
We designed a bespoke 15kWp ground-mounted solar array, built on plastic tube supports of the kind commonly used for flat roof installations, keeping the system low to the ground and unobtrusive. A gravel base was laid beneath the array to improve drainage and keep weed growth under control, reducing ongoing maintenance for the homeowner.
The system's 10kW inverter and 20kWh battery were neatly housed in a weather-protected garden shed, keeping the electrical components out of sight and properly protected from the elements. Cabling was trenched back to the house, and we secured full DNO approval for the single-phase supply before energising the system.
System Specification
- Array: 15kWp ground-mounted solar array
- Mounting: Plastic tube supports (as used for flat roof systems)
- Base: Gravel base for drainage and weed control
- Inverter: 10kW inverter
- Battery: 20kWh battery, housed in a weather-protected garden shed
- Cabling: Trenched back to the house
- Grid Connection: Full DNO approval for single-phase supply
- Location: Finchingfield, North Essex
Performance and Results
The customer now enjoys the full benefits of clean, reliable solar energy while keeping the system discreet and low to the ground. At around £25,000 supplied and fitted with no VAT, the project delivered excellent value for a system of this size, particularly given that a roof-mounted alternative was not an option.
Why This Project Matters
This project demonstrates that a roof unsuitable for solar does not have to mean ruling out solar altogether. With the right site assessment and a properly designed ground-mount system, homeowners with suitable garden space can still generate meaningful amounts of clean energy, without compromising the appearance of their property.
The result was so well received that two of the customer's friends have since asked Simcott Renewables to install similar systems on their own properties, a strong indicator of how discreetly and effectively the finished installation blends into its surroundings.
Client Feedback
The client told us they were "thrilled with how neat the system looks" and loved that it blended in so well with the garden.
Project Summary
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Location | Finchingfield, North Essex |
| Array Size | 15kWp ground-mounted |
| Mounting | Plastic tube supports |
| Inverter | 10kW |
| Battery | 20kWh |
| Grid Connection | Single-phase, full DNO approval |
| Project Cost | ~£25,000 supplied and fitted, no VAT |
Thinking solar isn't possible because of your roof?
If your roof is not suitable for solar, whether due to orientation, structural constraints, shading, or the age of the building, it is worth exploring whether a ground-mount system could work for your property instead.
At Simcott Renewables, we design and install home solar panels across Essex and the wider UK, including bespoke ground-mount systems for properties where a roof-mounted array simply is not an option.
We provide:
- Honest assessment of your roof and garden space
- Bespoke ground-mount system design
- Full DNO approval and grid connection management
- Weather-protected housing for inverters and battery storage
- Transparent, VAT-free pricing on qualifying installations
Ready to explore what's possible for your property?
Tell us about your roof and garden — we assess honestly and can design a ground-mount or roof-based system suited to your site.
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